CDRM urged to set up new university ministry

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC) has asked the military leadership to hive it off from the Education Ministry.

It has asked to be created a separate entity.

OHEC secretary-general Pavich Tongroach revealed the request after he had met with rectors of more than 20 universities to discuss ministerial reform.

It would approach the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) to establish a Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

Pavich said the commission was a downsized version of the former Ministry of University Affairs. The Education Ministry absorbed it three years ago.

This had caused problems and reduced its efficiency, he claimed.

"For 30 years as an independent ministry we were more efficient. If the CDRM approves our proposal it would be to the country's advantage," he said.

A Ministry of Higher Education and Research would help improve the quality of national human resources and research, he added.

-- The Nation 2006-09-24

Hmmm....

I wonder if its the other way around, the CDRM urging the OHEC to set up a separate ministry? That would make it easier for them to monitor and track student activism in universities would it not? Just a thought.